Latest news with #Sadya
NDTV
5 days ago
- NDTV
Onam 2025: 12 Best Places In Chennai Serving A Traditional Onasadya
Chennai's Onam Sadya scene thrives with diverse options, from traditional vegetarian banana leaf meals to non-vegetarian brunches. Restaurants and hotels offer dine-in, takeaway, and buffets featuring authentic Kerala dishes during the September festival. It is that time of the year again. Chennai's love affair with the big, festive Onam lunch began much before most other major cities in India. It is fair to say that the city's selection of the traditional Onasadya is probably the best outside Kerala. The Sadya, an elaborate traditional banana leaf meal, is the highlight of festivals like Onam and Vishu, as well as weddings across Kerala. Dishes are served from left to right on your leaf. The top half of the leaf is for accompaniments and the bottom half for staples and main courses, as is the case in most South Indian banana leaf meals. While it is almost always a vegetarian spread, some parts of Kerala, such as Kannur, do have sadyas that include meat and seafood. Takeaway Sadyas or 'Sadya in a box' is a new trend that emerged in Chennai in the 2020s. However, this is not a new trend, as it is common in most cities in Kerala for households to 'outsource' their sadya from traditional wedding cooks or caterers. Many of these sadyas feature more than 20 dishes, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for homemakers to put a whole Sadya together in smaller urban kitchens. Also Read: Onam 2024: 10 Best Onam Recipes | Onam Sadhya Recipes And Special Dishes From the puli inji to Kerala chips like the sweet Chakkara Upperi-a scrumptious variant coated with a blend of subtle spices and jaggery-and thoran (stir-fried vegetables), the sadya offers a host of accompaniments. Most sadyas in Chennai will include a Kaalan, Olan, vegetable stew, Erucheri, Kootu Curry (a mix of vegetables and Bengal gram), the fluffy Kerala Papadam, a pachadi and kichadi. Rice is the only staple and is served first with a dal and ghee, followed by sambar, rasam, and thick buttermilk towards the end of the meal. Almost all Sadyas serve the traditional parboiled Kerala-style rice. The high point of the Sadya is the Payasam. This year, Chennai offers a wide array of options that include talented home chefs collaborating with restaurants and hotels, as well as established Kerala cuisine restaurants that draw large crowds during the Onam season. Many hotels are also offering the sadya in a buffet or thali format. Here Are 12 Places In Chennai To Visit For Onam Sadya 2025: 1. Kappa Chakka Kandhari One of the city's preferred destinations for an Onasadya, KCK is offering a choice of dine-in as well as a takeaway option. The restaurant will host its Onasadya at Marlen Mahal (at the Chetpet Eco Park) on September 14 and 15. You can make prior reservations on their website to ensure you do not miss the sadya that is prepared by cooks who travel from Kerala each year. The takeaway option-their Festive Meal in a Box-comprises 26 traditional vegetarian dishes, and you can also buy a selection of Onam Special Payasams. 2. Geetham, T Nagar This vegetarian restaurant has partnered with Ms Supriya Vijay (who runs Supriya's Kitchen), one of Chennai's best-known Kerala cuisine experts, for the third year in a row. The restaurant will host an elaborate Onasadya lunch on September 15 curated by Supriya that will feature over 20 dishes. Also Read: 7 Biryanis from South India You Shouldn't Miss, From Hyderabadi to Bhatkali, Beary and More! 3. Savya Rasa Located in the Kotturpuram neighbourhood, this speciality South Indian restaurant has been a popular Onam destination over the last few years. The restaurant is offering a dine-in option, as well as a delivery and takeaway box that serves 2-3 people. You can also buy their Palaada and Chakka Pradhaman (available in 500 ml bottles) payasam. 4. Reef, Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort and Spa The all-day diner at the Sheraton Grand Chennai will host a week-long Onam buffet promotion (September 9 to 15) that has been put together by Chef Muthu and Chef Prabhu, who are deeply rooted in Kerala's rich culinary traditions. 5. Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel One of Chennai's premier South Indian restaurants has curated an Onam Thali that will be available for lunch and dinner on September 15. The thali has been put together by a team of chefs spearheaded by the hotel's Executive Chef Sujan Mukherjee and will bring the authentic flavours of Kerala in a thali format. 6. Hyatt Regency Chennai The hotel has collaborated with Soul on a Plate to curate one of the city's only non-vegetarian Onam brunch specials. 'Flavours of Kerala' will showcase some of Kerala's finest dishes and will be crafted by Ammu Rebecca Manoj, one of the city's better-known Kerala cuisine home chefs. 7. Ente Keralam One of the city's popular Kerala cuisine restaurants, Ente Keralam is offering a choice of Sadya options. Their Dine-in Sadya is available from September 7 to 12 and on September 16 and 17, while their special Onam sadya is available from September 13 to September 15. The restaurant is also offering a Takeaway Sadya box (for 2) from September 7 to 17. 8. The Great Onam Delight at GRT Hotels Chennai GRT Hotels and Resorts is hosting a three-day Onam celebration (September 13 to September 15) at the Grand by GRT (in T Nagar) and the Radisson Blu GRT Chennai (near the Chennai Airport). The Onasadya will be complemented by themed music and interiors, as well as a traditional Athapookolam. 9. Feathers, A Radha hotel Waterside, the all-day diner at Feathers Chennai, will host a special king-sized Onam buffet on September 15, 2024. The buffet will be put together by the hotel's in-house chefs and will include vegetarian and non-vegetarian Kerala signature dishes. 10. Gossip Bistro Located on East Coast Road, Gossip's non-vegetarian Sadya has become a popular fixture in Chennai's annual Onasadya mix. This year, the restaurant will offer three lunch slots on the Onam weekend of September 14 and 15. 11. Turyaa Chennai One of the many hotels that will offer Onasadya in a buffet format this year. The Onam Sadya buffet at Turyaa will be available from September 9 to 15, 2024, and has been crafted by Chef K Murali Krishna, who is an expert in South Indian cuisine. This buffet will offer more than 100 dishes over the entire promotion and includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. 12. Madras Kitchen Company, The Westin Chennai Velachery MKC at the Westin Chennai offers a choice of regional Indian cuisine and Asian street food with an extensive menu of beverages. The restaurant is hosting an 'Onam Traditional Sadhya Thali' on Sunday, September 15, that includes all the popular sadya staples.
Time Business News
25-06-2025
- Time Business News
Kerala India Tours for Nature, Culture, and Heritage Lovers
Kerala, often known as the 'land of timeless traditions,' is one of the most cherished travel destinations in India. From peaceful backwaters and lush greenery to timeless temples and coastal towns, Kerala India tours offer an unforgettable journey through culture, wellness, and raw nature. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Kerala opens a window to experiences that feel both grounded and deeply moving. Kerala India tours aren't just about seeing new places—they're about feeling connected. Tourists often describe Kerala not as a destination but as an experience. The state's balance of ancient rituals, warm hospitality, and nature-rich environments offers something far beyond the typical travel package. Here's why so many travelers choose Kerala: A well-preserved cultural identity Local food that reflects history and region Responsible tourism practices that involve communities Unmatched hospitality rooted in simplicity One of the most iconic highlights of Kerala India tours is a slow cruise through its backwaters. These are networks of canals, rivers, and lakes, framed by swaying palms and lined with traditional homes and paddy fields. Destinations like Alleppey and Kumarakom are known for houseboat stays, where travelers can drift through calm waters, dine on fresh meals cooked on board, and watch village life unfold in real time. The sound of paddling, birdsong, and temple bells makes the backwater ride not just pleasant but deeply immersive. Kerala's coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea and is dotted with peaceful beaches. Unlike commercial beach towns, Kerala's beaches offer calm, clean shores with a strong local flavor. Varkala Beach is famous for its cliff-top views and relaxed atmosphere. Kovalam, with its crescent-shaped shoreline, offers a gentle mix of Ayurvedic wellness and fishing town energy. These places are ideal for people looking to spend slow mornings and reflective evenings rather than join crowds. Traveling inland, the Western Ghats welcome you with misty hills and endless plantations. Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad are famous for their tea gardens, cardamom plantations, and forest reserves. These hilly escapes offer cool weather, scenic drives, and opportunities to visit spice farms, hike to waterfalls, and stay in plantation homes. For nature lovers, Kerala India tours in these regions offer a healthy dose of fresh air and grounded living. Kerala's cuisine is both varied and meaningful. Every dish reflects the region's natural abundance—coconut, curry leaves, tamarind, and fresh seafood form the heart of most meals. Some must-try dishes during Kerala India tours include: Sadya: A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf Meen Pollichathu: Fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled with spices Appam with Stew: A rice pancake served with mildly spiced coconut curry Puttu and Kadala: A breakfast combination of steamed rice cake and black chickpea curry Trying food in Kerala is more than just eating—it's a social, cultural, and sensory experience. Kerala is often referred to as the home of Ayurveda. Many travelers plan Kerala India tours specifically for rejuvenation. With centuries-old herbal practices still widely followed, Kerala offers everything from basic relaxation massages to intensive healing therapies. Ayurvedic centers are found in hill stations, beach towns, and even cities. Treatments are often prescribed after a consultation and tailored to the individual's body constitution. This connection between place, practitioner, and person adds depth to wellness travel. Kerala's artistic traditions are alive, not museum-bound. From temple performances to open-air rituals, visitors can witness forms of storytelling, dance, and music passed down over centuries. Key experiences on Kerala India tours include: Kathakali: A classical dance-drama with elaborate makeup and costumes Theyyam: A ritual art form found in Northern Kerala's sacred groves Mohiniyattam: A graceful solo dance performed by women Boat Races: Seasonal snake-boat races during Onam The richness of Kerala's art lies in its rootedness. Performances are often tied to festivals, temple traditions, and seasonal cycles, offering travelers more than just entertainment—they offer meaning. What makes Kerala India tours stand out is how locals are part of the tourism model. Responsible tourism initiatives here aim to empower communities, not just showcase them. Many homestays, village tours, and craft experiences are run by local people. Tourists can join coir-making workshops, visit tribal settlements, or help with organic farming. This mutual exchange benefits both visitors and hosts, offering authenticity without intrusion. Traditional Kerala architecture is designed to live in harmony with the weather and landscape. Sloped roofs, open courtyards, and wooden structures dominate the architectural style. Travelers often find beauty in the details of temples, old houses (called 'nalukettu'), and colonial-era churches. Places like Fort Kochi, Bekal, and Palakkad still preserve these styles, offering slow-walk experiences through history and design. Kerala is home to some of India's best-managed wildlife parks. The focus is not on staged shows but rather on genuine observation and quiet respect for ecosystems. Popular nature reserves during Kerala India tours include: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for elephants, birds, and boat safaris Silent Valley National Park: A biodiversity hotspot with rare species Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A blend of forests and tribal life Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: Dense forest with real conservation efforts These areas often double as educational spaces for those interested in sustainability, conservation, and natural history. Markets in Kerala are not noisy malls but spaces filled with personality. Travelers can visit spice markets, local weavers, potters, and artists. Popular buys include: Coir mats and products Aranmula mirrors (metal-alloy, hand-polished mirrors) Banana chips and Kerala halwa Handloom saris and mundu (traditional garment) Shopping here connects travelers to the source of craft and the hands that made them. While many avoid Kerala during the rainy months, monsoon has its own charm here. The land looks fresh, rivers fill up, and Ayurvedic treatments are considered most effective during this time. Many Kerala India tours during the monsoon are more peaceful, as crowds reduce and prices dip. For those looking for calm, the rains are not a deterrent—they're a reason to come. Fort Kochi, a town shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences, offers a different layer to Kerala's story. Walk through streets filled with spice warehouses, colonial churches, and Chinese fishing nets. The town's Jewish synagogue, Dutch Palace, and antique markets make it one of the most unique historical stops on any Kerala India tours. The blend of east and west here is not artificial—it's organic and layered over centuries. If you're considering Kerala India tours, a few mindful choices can elevate your journey: Choose locally-owned homestays over chains Attend a small village festival instead of commercial events Walk or cycle in smaller towns to absorb more Eat at local kitchens and ask about the story behind dishes Kerala rewards slow travel. The less you rush, the more it gives back. Kerala doesn't try to impress. It invites you in. Every courtyard, forest path, river bend, and smiling face adds to the story you take back. Unlike many destinations that aim to entertain, Kerala stays true to itself—and that honesty is what draws people here again and again. From its coastal edges to the misty hills and temple towns, Kerala India tours are not about escape—they're about return. A return to slower rhythms, deeper traditions, and real connections. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
